AboutSean Trapani Expertise I am a professor of advertising at the nation's largest art and design school. I teach general advertising courses, copywriting and brand theory.
Experience I have 15+ years ad agency experience as a copywriter and creative director. My experience covers general agency work, such as consumer print and broadcast, as well as specialized communications such as directory advertising, recruitment advertising and employee communications. My work has received dozens of awards, including ADDYs, Silver Microphones, Tellys and others.
Question QUESTION: I am a 28 year old college graduate (BA in English) with no industry work experience. I am taking classes in copywriting and working on a portfolio. Sometimes I get the feeling I am too old to be just starting, especially when a lot of candidates are coming out of 2-year portfolio programs.
Am I off base? Any words of wisdom?
ANSWER: Adam,
You do have some reasons for pause. Entry-level creative positions are generally a young person's game. Starting salaries (especially in this economy) are notoriously low, the hours are long and the job security is non existent.
That said, our business has a cruelly Darwinian way of holding on to the best talent. Writers write, and designers design, not because they want to - but because they have to (with compliments to Stephen King for part of that quote).
If you are passionate about working with bright, funny, spontaneous people; and are driven to create, this is a great profession if you can get through the first couple of years. If the passion is there, stay with it. If you're looking at it merely as "something to do," you might want to do some soul searching.
That's my two cents. Best of luck - on whichever path you take.
ST
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks!
I guess I'm wondering if I'm going to have difficulty getting my foot in the door at an agency based solely on my age.
Any thoughts?
Answer That depends upon the individual agency, Adam. One creative director might view you as more mature and reliable than a 22-year-old. Another creative director might not think you would be willing to eat as much crow as someone younger.
Don't let your age be an issue. Focus on your work and show your enthusiasm about the profession. People are drawn to positive personalities - regardless of age. Plus, as a copywriter, you can use your additional life experience as a competitive advantage. As a professor, I notice that many younger adults have difficulties "seeing through the eyes" of people other than their immediate peers. That's a result of youth and of not socializing with a diverse enough social set. That's a problem you can claim to have shed with age.
Oh - and btw, one of my good friends went to art school at 40 and started in agency life around 43. That was about 10 years ago and he's still doing quite well.
Your age will only be a huge obstacle if you think it is.
